To Catch a Thief
WEEKLY EDUCATIONAL UPDATE - MARCH 6, 2019
In This Issue
Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their personal information, but savvy cybercrooks have overcome some of those defenses. A 2018 Javelin Research report found identity theft hit an all-time high in 2017, affecting an estimated 16.7 million consumers. For the first time, Social Security numbers were compromised more frequently than credit card numbers.[1]
If you have not taken measures to protect yourself, it may be a good idea to consider your options.

Individuals can take four basic steps to help protect themselves against identity theft. These steps are represented by the acronym SCAM.

S. Be stingy when giving out your personal information. Make sure the person requesting the information is on a "need-to-know" basis. For example, someone who claims to be calling from your bank does not need to know your mother's maiden name if it is already on file with the bank.

C. Check your financial information periodically. If you get hard-copy credit card or bank statements mailed to you, consider keeping these documents in a safe, secure location. Be skeptical if it appears the financial institution missed a month. Identity thieves may try to change the address on your accounts to keep their actions hidden from you for as long as possible.

A. From time to time, ask for a copy of your credit report. This report shows bank and financial accounts in your name and may help provide evidence if someone has used your name to open another account. To obtain a report, contact any of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

M. Maintain good records of your financial accounts and obligations. Retain your monthly bank and credit card statements, either in hard-copy or digital form. Easy access to this information may make it easier to dispute a transaction, especially if your signature has been forged.

Additionally, consider these steps. Think about guarding the information on your phone the way you protect the data on your computer: with security software, data encryption, and a password necessary for basic access. You could also choose two-factor authentication at the websites of the retailers you frequent most; this potentially gives you the same degree of protection you would get with a brokerage or bank account. You could also elect to freeze your credit report at the major credit bureaus, for a small fee.[1] 

If your identity is stolen, you may face not only out-of-pocket financial loss, but the additional cost of trying to restore your good name. Help protect yourself by using caution when sharing your personal information and keeping an eye out for warning signs.




"Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort."
 
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Roasted Beets
Serves 4

Ingredients:
  • 3 medium beets
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil (another vegetable oil or avocado oil will work)
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
  1. Put the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 375°F.
     
  2. Trim off any leafy tops (these are great for pets, like birds, rabbits, and turtles) and wash the beets.
     
  3. Drizzle beets with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and wrap completely in aluminum foil.
     
  4. Roast for up to 1½ hours - until fork tender. Remove from the oven and let cool.
     
  5. Peel the beets (the skins come off easily), and then, drizzle with more olive oil, season with salt and pepper (to taste), and serve.
 
Recipe adapted from Chowhound [2]
   

Self-Employed Tax Obligations *

When you work for yourself, there are a few tax considerations to keep in mind. Generally, you're required to file and pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis. 

Determine if you are subject to tax: Subtract your business expenses from your business income. If your expenses are less than your income, the difference is part of your income. If your expenses are more than your income, the difference is a net loss.

Make quarterly payments if you've determined you need to make quarterly payments using Form 1040-ES.

Filing annually: If you're filing annually, you'll need to use Schedule C to report income or loss. To file your Social Security and Medicare taxes, you should file Schedule SE Form 1040.

Deductions: If you're using part of your home for business, then you may be able to make certain deductions, such as for your office or a portion of your home's square footage used for business purposes. Check out https://www.irs.gov/businesses for more information.


* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.


Tip adapted from IRS.gov[3]
Get a Grip

Getting back to basics can often be the best way to decrease your score. 

Most golfers know that the "Vs" created by the index finger and the thumb of the left and right hands should be in alignment with the right shoulder. You would be surprised at how many golfers have trouble maintaining what was once considered a traditional hand position. For those who struggle with slices, the first adjustment to make is strengthening your grip - especially when your left hand is too far under the shaft. Once you've addressed your grip, always check if your left hand is turned to the right. Once you take up your stance, three knuckles on your left hand should be visible.

Conversely, a golfer who hooks should check that the left hand is not in a "strong" position where it is turned too much to the right.


Tip courtesy of Brian Jame | Golf Tips Magazine[4]
Simple Meditation for Clarity and Peace

Today's culture can seem overwhelming, and we can feel bombarded with information and stress. One way to find some inner peace is through meditation. It's a lot easier than you may think. If you practice, it's about the progress  n ot the perfection. In fact, the best barometer of success is just checking in to see how you feel after you meditate. Here are a few tips to get started:
 
Prepare: Sit or lie down where you're comfortable. You can sit cross-legged with a straight spine (try sitting on a pillow or folded blanket to straighten your spine) or lie down in a place with few distractions. Set a timer: ten minutes is a good starting point.
 
Focus: Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and bring your attention to your "third-eye" area, at the middle brow. If your mind wanders, try to gently bring your attention back to your breathing.
 
Finish: Notice how you feel when you're finished. Your primary objective is to simply clear your mind and experience what that clarity feels like.


Tip adapted from https://www.jackcanfield.com[5]
It's Electric - Driving Clean

There are so many benefits to the economy, the environment, and even your wallet when you drive a plug-in electric or hybrid vehicle. You can realize savings in costs, emissions, and energy security in the U.S.

Costs
The purchase price can be more for plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles, but with technological advances in the batteries that power these cars, costs are decreasing. Additionally, clean-car batteries are lasting up to 15 years in moderate climates.

Fuel Economy
Electric vehicles usually have better fuel economy and lower fuel costs than comparable conventional vehicles. For example, the 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid has an EPA combined city-and-highway fuel economy estimate of 47 miles per gallon, while the estimate for the conventional 2018 Accord (four-cylinder automatic) is 33 miles per gallon.

Support of Energy Security
Transportation accounts for about three-fourths of U.S. petroleum consumption and about 20% of that petroleum was imported in 2017. Driving energy efficient vehicles reduces reliance on foreign-transported petroleum. Electric vehicles use energy produced in the U.S., which comes from natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources.


Tip adapted from The Alternative Fuels Data Center[6]
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[1]  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/identity-theft-hits-record-high

[2] www.chowhound.com/recipes/basic-roasted-beets-11100

[3] https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center
 
[4] www.golftipsmag.com/instruction/general/get-the-correct-golf-grip/

[5]  www.jackcanfield.com/blog/how-to-meditate/

[6] afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_benefits.html


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